This Holidays

Writen by Bernadette Dimitrov

Christmas is for many people the most joyous time of the year. It can also be one of the most stressful. Without Christmas preparations and tips to get you organized and in the right frame of mind, you can be left frazzled, miss important people and things to do and spend more time and money than you expected to get needs met. Here are 5 great tips to ensure you will be prepared, relaxed, in good spirits and even save some money!

1. Card List - It is very important to ensure you don't miss anyone. You need to ensure you get your Christmas wishes to all you know. Buy an exercise book and head up a page for each Christmas list you are about to discover you need. For your card list write down everyone you can think of you would like to send a card and good wishes to. Include extended family, neighbors, teachers, colleagues and shop keepers who have looked after you over the year. Also you don't want to be late with your cards so buy them each year after Christmas when all the sales are on. You will be able to pick up some beautiful cards at less than half price This is a great way to make a really good impression and make everyone on your card list feel extra special with a specially nice card. Also you will have time to write out your own personal verse for each person well in advance. It will show you took extra care and thought and make each person feel extra special this Christmas with your good wishes and good cheer. Then diarize for once a week to spend say an hour writing your verses and cards and addressing and stamping. You will only have to mail them when Christmas comes.

2. Make a Present List - this is a powerful tool to get you organized and ensures that no-one will be missed. Head up another page in your exercise book "Christmas Gifts" then write the name of everyone you need to buy for and write an approximate amount of money you will spend on each person. This is a great way to keep you on budget. Also head up a third column and add a few things about each person that they like or like to do. Then when the next lot of sales come up during the year take your list and find items that match their likes within your budget. You will spend less time shopping, pick up some great bargains and thrill the person with something that they will really like. A little preparation can really make a difference.

3. Christmas Day Feast List - On a new sheet in your exercise book write up some new headings: Christmas dinner - write out a Christmas menu for the day then add a shopping list with all the ingredients that you will need to purchase. Add items such as napkins, Christmas candles, Christmas crackers and Christmas table decorations. Again you will be surprised over the year how many of these items you can pick up in advance during sales.

4. Christmas Game List - we all like to have fun during the festive season and there is no better way than to add a few new traditions each year to your festivities. Games are a great way to get everyone interacting both young and old. It also creates great memories that will be cherished as the years roll on. There are many party game books available. Type "party games" into Google or go to your local book store or library.

5. Christmas Spirit List - this is the ultimate list and one that many people overlook. It will rekindle and revive the spirit of Christmas. Make a list of everything you can do over the festive season to ensure you leave the joy and spirit of Christmas where-ever you go. For example, make it a rule for yourself to be extra aware that you pull yourself up and don't judge other people. Give more of yourself by helping others and not expecting anything in return. Thank all those that have served or helped you over the year. Bring a smile to all you greet. Make a commitment to yourself to spend more time listening than talking and add to your list that you will make an extra effort to spend time in gratitude for all that you have. It is most important to add forgiveness - forgive yourself and anyone who has hurt you over the year – let it go and you free yourself and raise the spirit of Christmas. Read this list each morning during the festive season to ensure your spirit is in the right place!

As an added bonus you can keep your Christmas List book and it will make your next years preparations even easier as you can copy and add or change items on the list. Remember to take your list with you when you go shopping and mark each one off as you go.

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com for gifts, tips and tools for reviving the fun, magic and spirit of Christmas every day of the year. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience today! Plus sign up for our sensational f*r*e*e fun Newsletter with great tips, tools and resources you'll love throughout the year. By The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of The HoHoHo Factor! & Bluey, Santa's New Recruit (ebooks and audio books).